Proposals drawn up to rectify cut-out seal debacle

Electrical contractors experiencing problems dealing with distribution network operators (DNOs) when working around service cut-out seals will be glad to hear that the ECA is tackling the issue head on.

Currently, under the Electrical Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, if a person makes or alters connections on DNO property (the public supply) without consent they are in breach of Regulation 25. The contractor should contact the DNO and staff trained and approved to work on service cut-out connections will attend the site.

However, in practice contractors are experiencing continual problems working with the DNOs. Even finding out who to contact to provide the service is difficult. Response times have been recorded at up to a week, causing delays and tempting contractors to undertake service fuse removal themselves without notifying the DNO or the client.

Now, a draft procedure for the removal and replacement of company cut-out seals by electrical contractors has been drawn up for approval and sent to the Energy Networks Association. The document proposes that members of registration bodies (such as the ECA and SELECT) who are approved by the DNOs, are allowed to remove cut-out seals. In return the registration bodes will annually provide each DNO Customer Service Centre (CSC) with an up-to-date list of members. And, these members will contact staff at the CSC prior to removing the company cut-out seal. The CSC will then add a note to the customer details in the relevant DNO database.

When notification has been given, the contractor will apply temporary seals, which have been issued by the DNO, to the company cut-out on completion of their work. These will be replaced by the DNO at their own convenience.